In the Long Run

He’s a football coaching legend at Brigham Young University, retired now, but known for his poker face and unflappable disposition whether his Cougars were crushing the opposition, or dismally losing. He mentored quarterback celebrities Jim McMahon, Steve Young, and Ty Detmer. He had only one losing season, an impressive .722 winning percentage, and won a National Championship. And now he was on my front porch, smiling, shaking my hand, and introducing himself. “Hi, I’m LaVell Edwards.”

My husband, a die-hard Cougars fan, was more awed and impressed by Edwards’ visit than I, although I admit to having felt a little privileged just because I knew of the tremendous reputation of the man. I was pleased to observe that he was very friendly, personable, and not at all arrogant, as he conversed very cordially and unaffectedly with me. His wife, Patti, was equally down-to-earth, and she too, chatted amiably as I took them down the street to stay for a couple of days at the home of a neighbor who was away on vacation.

The Edwards had graciously volunteered to speak at a special meeting at our church while they were in town for other business. We imagined what their topics might be: perhaps Coach Edwards would give us the inside scoop on his amazingly successful passing offense, and Patti, a newspaper columnist, would provide a “football widow’s” insight and suggestions for coping with sports-obsessed husbands. We were eager to hear what they had to say.

Their talks, though not what I had expected, were definitely not disappointing. They talked less of football, and more of faith. Patti spoke of honesty, and integrity, and how essential these qualities are to one’s self-worth. She told of her mother’s steadfast commitment to her religion despite opposition, and of her father’s reputation that garnered him a $50,000 loan based solely on a handshake.

LaVell’s talk was also interesting and inspiring. He stressed that each person needs to know who he is, and have the courage to accept his position and place in life. But he admonished that acceptance did not preclude steady work to move forward and progress. He illustrated his theme with motivational examples from some of his former players, including Steve Young, who initially was described as a player who would never be a quarterback. Young “went to work” said LaVell, and became one of the most successful quarterbacks not only at BYU, but in the NFL.

After the meeting, the Edwards willingly lingered to talk with the audience, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. Their meek, but certainly not weak, demeanor impressed me. These two people practiced what they preached. They were not prideful or condescending, but exuded a quiet confidence. Their spiritual strength is an obvious contrast to physical prowess demonstrated in LaVell’s former athletic contests. And in the long run, that quality of spiritual strength, more so than any win-loss record, is what makes LaVell and Patti Edwards true winners.

Posted by Cyppy at 8:28 PM